Candace Thomas
Miss University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Interview Video »

I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.
-Edmund Everett Hale

As Miss University of Maryland Eastern Shore, my platform is built on promoting community involvement and the uplifting of young women. It is imperative for me to work with the young ladies of my University. At an early age, my mother instilled strong values in my sister and I that we still embrace this very day. As my mother always says to me “it’s imperative for a woman to have values to live by and goals to live for.” In order to inspire these young women I hold seminars, visit local high schools, and organize an annual Women’s History Month Conference.

During Women’s History Month, I sponsor a woman’s fair that is open to students, faculty, staff, and the community. Other activities include a retreat for young ladies in the local high schools, therapeutic spa day, panel discussions, and an all female model fashion show, in hopes that these activities will encourage self respect and nurture self esteem.

Community involvement goes outside the perimeter of our campus location. As we are well aware, Haiti has recently experienced a devastating natural disaster. Haiti in recent years has struggled with problems ranging from political disorder, health crises, excessive food prices, abundance of hurricanes, severe environmental degradation in which leaves the country more vulnerable to natural disasters.

On Tuesday, January 12, 2010, Haiti and the surrounding areas experienced a category 7 earthquake, with aftershocks as high as 5.9. It is said to have been the worst earthquake in the region in over 200 years, with as many as 50,000 deaths. Many organizations are forming ways to help the country recover from this natural disaster. This disaster has created serious obstacles to those attempting to transport promised foreign aid.

As a caring campus, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore has decided to wear “BLACK” on Monday January 25th to mourn the loss of men, women, and children in Haiti. We are collecting clothing and non-perishable foods in efforts to help the country rebuild. I have posted boxes in each Residential Hall to collect donations for needy families. Haiti cannot be rebuilt overnight but every little bit helps. Though my title, I have encouraged other schools to join us in collecting clothing and food donations. "The disaster is seemingly endless, yet so is the HOPE".

From the activities that I participate in, you can tell that I am very active on campus and in the community. It takes hard work, perseverance, and compassion to be an ambassador for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. These are qualities that will make me a prime representative for Miss Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference 2010.